Carole Arlene Wilson

Carole Arlene Wilson (née Shearer) passed away on January 30, 2024, at the age of 83 in University Place, Washington. She was born on August 11, 1940, in Renton, Washington.

Carole was a beloved mother survived by her three daughters Sheri Bryant, Lauren (Robert) Miller, Reisha (Darrin) Swindahl, and her stepson Dean Wilson. She was also a cherished grandmother to Nicholas, Andrea, Amanda, Stephanie, Paul, Ashley, Brittany, Andrew, Heather, Spencer, Sarah, Breeann, Autumn, and Copper, and a proud great-grandmother to Oliver, Grayson, Samuel, Aava, Alivia, Luke, Lily, Marion, and Nora. She is also survived by her brother Allen (Claudia) Shearer. 

Carole was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Wilson, stepdaughter Debbie Maney, mother Jeannette Shearer, and father Elmer Shearer.

Carole grew up in Renton, Washington, next door to her grandparents, Ernest and Annie Shearer, where she spent much of her time. She often talked about her fond memories there and of the closeness she shared with her grandparents. Carole enjoyed school and music. She sang in the choir and played the oboe in her High School Band. She was active in school groups and had many friends. She graduated from Renton High School in 1958 and attended Junior College. Following in the footsteps of her mom, she became a dental assistant.

In 1961 she married her first husband, Donald Blakely. She had her three girls, Sheri, Lauri, and Reisha during this marriage. Carole designed and had her dream home built in Seattle in 1963. The house was modern and had a beautiful view of Lake Washington and Mercer Island. She lived and raised her family there for 13 years before she sold the house and moved to University Place. Although she owned many houses after that, this house on Ryan Street was always her favorite and she missed it and talked about it often during her lifetime.

Carole married her second husband, Douglas Wilson, in 1968 and she became a stepmom to his two young children, Dean and Debbie. She always said proudly "I was raising 5 children under the age of 5 when Doug and I got married". She was a devoted mother and considered raising her 5 kids as being the most challenging and rewarding accomplishment of her lifetime. She was the best mom any child could have asked for.

In 1971 Carole and Doug purchased "A Chimney Company", which they managed for 20 years. They also bought and managed rental homes and Carole helped renovate them alongside Doug. Carole wasn't afraid of hard work or getting dirty. She was a strong and determined woman.

In her free time, Carole enjoyed a variety of hobbies including sewing, listening to music, reading, bike riding and water aerobics. She was a member of the United Ostomy Association of America, and she happily headed the monthly potlucks, always decorating with seasonal and holiday themes. Carole was also a champion delegate for the UOAA and visited patients in the hospital who had just had new ostomy surgery. She educated them in ostomy care, answered any questions they had, and most importantly reassured them that they could continue to have a normal, healthy, and fulfilling life with an ostomy. She gave people hope.

Carole was also dedicated to volunteering at the Red Cross. It was after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 when she wanted to help the victims somehow. She decided on volunteering at the Red Cross to help them answer the never-ending phone calls. Not only did she end up helping them, but she also ultimately helped her own health at the same time. At age 65, a series of small strokes over ten years left her unable to write. Answering phones and taking messages forced her to learn to write again. Later in her years at the Red Cross she became in charge of scheduling volunteers for their service. She felt very rewarded for her volunteer experience.

Carole (Ma, as the kids called her) had 14 grandchildren. She was actively involved in their lives and loved spending time with them as they grew up.  She often would babysit them, take them on walks to the beach to watch the trains go by, and take them to feed the ducks at Titlow Park. She was always proud to attend their performances, sports events, and any other activities they were involved with. Carole also had 9 great-grandchildren that she truly enjoyed being with and loved seeing all the photos of them growing.

During Carole and Doug's retirement years together, they thoroughly enjoyed traveling and taking cruises with their family. They spent time together remodeling their home, going out to dinner, and watching movies. Carole particularly loved their walks along Chamber's Bay. Her husband was also her best friend, and they were so fortunate to spend 46 years together as a married couple until he passed away suddenly in 2014. She grieved for the loss of her soulmate and said that he passed away 10 years too soon. It's ironic that she then lived 10 years longer albeit without him, always wishing he was still by her side.

 We miss her terribly but are grateful for the memories we will hold forever in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Red Cross in her memory.

The interment will be at noon on Monday, March 4th, 2024 at Mt Olivet Cemetery, 100 Blaine Ave NE, Renton, WA 98056

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Monday March 4th, 2024 at 4:00 pm at The ESB at Chambers Creek Park, 9850 64th St W, University Place, WA 98467 

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